If you’re in the cannabis industry, chances are you’ve already run into Instagram’s shadowban trap. Between content removals, limited reach, and random account suspensions, it’s clear: relying on Instagram alone is risky. That’s why at WJ Media Group, we help clients develop diverse, scalable strategies rooted in digital marketing for cannabis brands—without putting all their effort into one social platform.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most effective digital channels outside of Instagram that cannabis businesses can use to build awareness, drive sales, and grow community—without getting flagged.
1. Build Your Website—and Own Your Audience
Instagram doesn’t belong to you, but your website does. A professionally built site gives you control, credibility, and the ability to rank on Google. From showcasing your menu and delivery services to capturing leads via email signups, your site should be the central hub of your brand’s marketing ecosystem.
Don’t forget: Local SEO is a game-changer for dispensaries and CBD brands. Optimizing your site for phrases like “CBD near me” or “dispensary in [your town]” helps customers find you when they’re ready to buy.
2. Email Marketing Still Converts
Email isn’t dead—it’s the most direct and dependable way to reach your audience. With proper segmentation, you can run flash sales, product drops, loyalty rewards, and educational drip campaigns without being censored. Platforms like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, and Drip offer cannabis-friendly policies when properly configured.
Plus, your email list is yours forever, unlike a social following that can disappear overnight.
3. Google Business Profile = Free Visibility
Many cannabis entrepreneurs overlook the power of Google Maps. An optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) helps your shop show up in local searches. Encourage customers to leave reviews, post updates weekly, and upload photos of your storefront and products. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in digital marketing for cannabis brands looking to gain local traction.
4. SMS Marketing: High Open Rates, Low Risk
When done legally and responsibly, SMS campaigns are gold. With an average open rate above 90%, texting allows you to send out timely promotions, new product alerts, and even customer feedback requests.
Use platforms like Alpine IQ or Springbig, which are cannabis-compliant and provide opt-in safeguards to keep your brand compliant.
5. Content Marketing + Blogs = Long-Term SEO Wins
Every cannabis brand should be publishing regular content on its website. Why? Because educational blog posts boost your SEO, establish authority, and drive organic traffic that keeps growing over time.
Topics like “best cannabis for anxiety,” “how to use CBD,” or “THCa flower explained” are high-performing searches. WJ Media Group helps clients identify these keywords and create content that turns clicks into customers.
6. Influencer & Affiliate Campaigns (Done Right)
If Instagram’s too risky, consider micro-influencers on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, or TikTok (with caution). You can also launch your own affiliate program with trackable codes and links, letting loyal customers promote your brand for rewards or store credit.
Done right, these campaigns build community, expand reach, and stay mostly off the radar of social platform censorship.
Final Thoughts: Diversify or Die
In 2025, the smartest digital marketing for cannabis brands is platform-agnostic. That means building owned assets (like your website and email list), optimizing for search, and leveraging tools that don’t rely on volatile social media algorithms.
WJ Media Group specializes in crafting fully compliant, multi-platform strategies to help cannabis brands grow safely and sustainably. If you’re ready to move beyond the algorithm, we’re ready to help you scale.
